Dentists and the dental team are required by law to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. In fact, anyone can make a report of suspected cased of abuse or neglect. The whole dental team should be aware of the increased incidences of abuse and know the indicators to watch for.

Multiple studies have confirmed that more than 50% and up to 75% of child abuse involved trauma to the mouth, face or head. As well, while abuse parents may not go to the same doctor (fearing the doctor will recognize the abuse), abusive parents do often tend to return to the same dentists.

The percentage of dentists who file reports of suspected child abuse or neglect is small. Data shows the majority of reports come from teachers, social workers, and permissive reporters (individuals who report out of concern for the child).

It is the responsibility of the whole dental team to watch for the indicators and to document anything they suspect to be abuse. Make sure the documents are dated, clearly written, and are precise documentation on location, findings, colors, types of indicators, behavioral indicators and if the patient had any explanations as to what happened.

Documentation is key to follow up on repeat cases and to have proof if a case would come to court.

Abuse in Society

Abuse in society is an ever-increasing concern to all people. Abuse occurs in homes, workplaces, in public places, schools, and health care facilities and on the street. Most often someone known to the victim commits the violence’s but abuse can also be random, and spontaneous, as well as calculated to overpower and control.

All forms of abuse are damaging to the victim and can have short term or long-term effects on the victim’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse is violence or abuse by one person against another in a marriage or cohabitation relationship.

The abuse can be physical, emotional, verbal, economic, and sexual.

Child Abuse

Child abuse is the emotional, sexual or physical maltreatment or neglect of a child. Child abuse includes anything that results in harm, potential harm or threat of harm to a child. It can occur in the child’s home, school, or in the community the child lives in.

There are 4 categories of child abuse:

Neglect

Physical abuse

Psychological or emotional abuse

Sexual abuse

Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can be in a single or repeated act where the elder lacks appropriate care, which caused harm or distress to the elder person.